Love to Dream | Why, When & How to Swaddle Your Newborn Baby
Ensuring your baby is comfortable and content is at the top of any new parent’s list, especially at night as you put them to sleep. But if you're opting to swaddle your baby, it is important to also ensure your technique is safe and effective.
Read on to discover all the information you’ll need about why, when and how to swaddle your baby.
Why should you swaddle your baby?
The comfort, warmth and security that swaddling provide are all similar snug feelings felt in utero. Being held within a snugly fit sleeping garment can support your baby to fall into a deep sleep and rest for longer.
Swaddling encourages babies to sleep on their back, which is an important factor in the prevention of SIDS.
If hands and arms are accessible through the swaddle, babies are also able to self-soothe by touching their faces and sucking on their hands.
When consistently swaddled, babies can begin to recognise the rhythm and movement of going to bed and understand being swaddled as a sleep cue.
When should you start swaddling your baby?
We recommend that you start From Day One™. Establishing a routine by using the swaddle helps develop sleep cues that are essential to creating familiarity and security. It will really help you, your baby and your family establish a good sleep routine.
How to swaddle a baby: A step-by-step guide
Step 1: Temperature check
Consider the temperature of the room and of your baby. Love To Dream™ has a TOG rating guide you can use to pick the appropriate sleep garments. Make sure the room is not too hot or too cold. The optimal temperature will support your baby to sleep soundly.
Step 2: Safety check
Avoid using any loose items or blankets in the cot/crib to ensure no fabric can come up above the baby’s face to cover their nose or mouth. Make sure no hanging cords are within reach, including electrical and blind cords. Ensure your baby has a firm surface to sleep on – either a cot, bassinet or portable crib with a tight fitted sheet.
Download the Love To Dream™ Safer Sleep Guide for more information.
Step 3: Choose your swaddle
You want to ensure your baby is not swaddled too tight and full hip flexion is possible, as this is recommended for healthy hip development. There are many out there, including light-weight cotton or muslin wraps, zip up swaddles and more.
Step 4: Time to swaddle
Lay your swaddle down on a flat, safe surface, then gently place your baby on top. Wrap and/or zip up the swaddle, ensuring there are no loose ends or open parts, with their arms inside the wings (if your swaddle has them). Now, place your baby down to rest in their sleeping space. It’s important to have your baby sleep on their back. Do not place them on their sides or tummies.
Tips: Choose a swaddle that can be opened from the lower end, any nappy or diaper changes won’t disturb the baby so they can stay asleep throughout.
Don't worry. With practice, you’ll find the swaddling routine that works for you both.
Try our Love To Dream™ Swaddles for newborns and babies
Love To Dream's range of swaddles, transition swaddles, sleep bags and sleep suits have been designed with sleep-deprived mums, dads and babies in mind. Love To Dream™ has the Swaddle Up™ swaddle, made with secure, patented wings. This sleep garment was developed with the concept of babies enjoying the snug swaddled feeling in mind, while also allowing them flexibility to move their arms up, and legs and hips up and outwards. Newborns and babies can enjoy this fit, and when they are ready, they can progress from our Swaddle Up™ to our Transition Bags and Suits.
Love To Dream™ Swaddle Up™ swaddles can be worn throughout the seasons of winter and summer, with garment ranging from 0.2 TOG up to 3.5 TOG. Soft, warm and durable, Love To Dream™ Swaddle Up™ swaddles are certified as ‘Hip-Healthy’ by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute.
They are a must-have for all new parents!
This article was contributed by trusted sleep experts, Love to Dream™.
